What Does Bracknell Think: Public Art

Artwork above the old shops in Broadway has been saved after the area was bulldozed

This week we asked our panel what they thought of the news £200,000 will be spent on new public art for the town centre after a council planning agreement with Bracknell Regeneration Partnership. Many of the existing pieces, including the floating ball and the clock fountain, have been saved and will be used in the new town.

Andrew Freeman, a Betterware distributor from Bullbrook: “Why not get rid of all the old rubbish and start afresh?”

Sharon Hillen-Thomas, owner of The Relaxation Centre, Sandhurst: “I think they should put no more money into the town centre until it is actually developed. A £200k spend on artwork in the current climate and in a town that is uninspiring is not wisely spent.”

Read More

Jonathan Greenyer, an artist from Winkfield: “As an artist and organiser of major arts events I hope local arts and craft providers will be approached first.

“There are so many arts and craft organisations in our area and to ignore them would be yet another slap in the face.

“Sponsorship and commissions are a valuable source of arts funding. Even were this to be ignored at the very least involve South Hill Park.

“Then there’s Bracknell & Wokingham College – yet another source of art talent. Will they be involved? In addition to commissioning a chunk of public art, there needs to be a follow through linking public art and the development of art in the area.

“£200,000 is a lot of money and I know there are many, many artists that will be more than willing to be involved in this grandiose civic gesture.”

Hazel Kent, of Bracknell Market Cafe: “£200,000 on art!!!???

“Yet the price of a new indoor market is beyond the council and BRP’s reach? Having priced up a purpose-built building for the market, that would more than cover it.